Protective Body Covering

ABSTRACT

A head protection assembly for transferring impact forces directed toward a head of a user to a torso of the user, a groin protection assembly for transferring impact forces directed toward a groin of a user to a torso of the user, and a protective body covering comprising a head protection assembly and a groin protection assembly.

This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/034,032, filed Aug. 6,2014, hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. BACKGROUND

Conventional defensive gear may not function to dissipate impact forcesdelivered to a wearer, particularly to the head or groin of the wearer.Accordingly, a need exists for a protective body covering which cantransfer impact forces directed toward the head or groin of a user to atorso of the user, thereby lessening the potential for injuries that mayresult from the direct transfer of the impact forces to the head orgroin.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad object of a particular embodiment of the inventioncan be to provide a head protection assembly for transferring impactforces directed toward a head of a user to a torso of the user, andmethods of making and using such head protection assemblies, whereby thehead protection assembly comprises: a head shell configured to at leastpartially surround the head of the user; a first support memberconfigured to couple to a first shoulder of the torso; and a secondsupport member configured to couple to a second shoulder of the torso;the first and second support members pivotally coupled one each to headshell first and second sides; wherein the first and second supportmembers support the head shell about the head in spaced apart relationto the head to define a first interior space between a head shellinternal surface and the head.

Another a broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention canbe to provide a groin protection assembly for transferring impact forcesdirected toward a groin of a user to a torso of the user, and methods ofmaking and using such groin protection assemblies, whereby the groinprotection assembly comprises: a groin shell configured to at leastpartially surround the groin of the user; a resiliently compressiblematerial coupled to a groin shell internal surface upper portion; and agroin protection assembly first adjustable strap element coupled to thegroin shell proximate a groin shell upper portion; wherein the groinprotection assembly first adjustable strap element supports the groinshell about the torso such that a groin shell internal surface lowerportion disposes in spaced apart relation to the groin to define asecond interior space between the groin shell internal surface lowerportion and the groin.

Another a broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention canbe to provide a protective body covering comprising a head protectionassembly, as above described, and a groin protection assembly, as abovedescribed.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

III. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a particular embodiment of the protectivebody covering, including a head protection assembly and a groinprotection assembly.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a method of using the particularembodiment of the protective body covering shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a headprotection assembly.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a particular embodiment of a headprotection assembly.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a particular embodiment of a head shell of thehead protection assembly.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a head shell of thehead protection assembly.

FIG. 6 is a back view of a particular embodiment of a head shell of thehead protection assembly.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a particular embodiment of a head shell of thehead protection assembly.

FIG. 8A is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of a head shell ofthe head protection assembly.

FIG. 8B is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of a head shell ofthe head protection assembly, whereby the head shell includesresiliently compressible material.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a head shellof the head protection assembly, whereby a protective covering overlaysaperture element openings disposed within the head shell andpass-through disposed within an ellipsoid dome coupled to the headshell.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of first andsecond support members of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 10B is a front view of a particular embodiment of a first or secondsupport member of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 10C is a back view of a particular embodiment of a first or secondsupport member of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 10D is a side view of a particular embodiment of a first or secondsupport member of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 10E is a front view of a particular embodiment of a head protectionassembly including a head shell and first and second support members,whereby the head protection assembly is removably coupled to a head of auser.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a front plate ofthe head protection assembly.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a particular embodiment of a front plate of thehead protection assembly.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of a front plate ofthe head protection assembly.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a particular embodiment of a front plate ofthe head protection assembly.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a back plate ofthe head protection assembly.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a particular embodiment of a back plate of thehead protection assembly.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a particular embodiment of a connector elementof the head protection assembly.

FIG. 18 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a connectorelement of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of coupledfront and back plates of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a groinprotection assembly.

FIG. 21 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a groin protectionassembly.

FIG. 22 is a back view of a particular embodiment of a groin protectionassembly.

FIG. 23 is a first side view of a particular embodiment of a groinprotection assembly.

FIG. 24 is a second side view of a particular embodiment of a groinprotection assembly.

FIG. 25 is a top view of a particular embodiment of a groin protectionassembly.

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of a groinprotection assembly.

FIG. 27 is a top view of a particular embodiment of a groin protectionassembly.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, which illustrate amethod of using a particular embodiment of a protective body covering(1) including a head protection assembly (2) for transferring impactforces (3) directed toward a head (4) of a user (5) to a torso (6) ofthe user (5) and a groin protection assembly (7) for transferring impactforces (3) directed toward a groin (8) of a user (5) to a torso (6) ofthe user (5). A particular method of use can include removably couplingthe head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso (6) ofthe user (5) and removably coupling the groin protection assembly (7) tothe groin (8) and the torso (6) of the user (5). As such, impact forces(3) directed toward the head (4) of the user (5) can be transferred tothe torso (6) of the user (5) by the head protection assembly (2) andimpact forces (3) directed toward the groin (8) of the user (5) can betransferred to the torso (6) of the user (5) by the groin protectionassembly (7), thereby correspondingly protecting the head (4) and thegroin (8) of the user (5) from impact forces (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8B, a head protectionassembly (2) for transferring impact forces (3) directed toward a head(4) of a user (5) to a torso (6) of the user (5) can include a headshell (9) configured to at least partially surround the head (4) of theuser (5). As to particular embodiments, the head shell (9) can beconfigured as a substantially hollow elliptical cylinder (10); however,the invention need not be so limited, as the head shell (9) can have anyof a numerous and wide variety of configurations capable of at leastpartially surrounding a head (4) of a user (5).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 4 through FIG. 8B, the ellipticalcylinder (10) can include an elliptical cylinder upper portion (11)opposite an elliptical cylinder lower portion (12), which can bound ahead shell opening (13) capable of insertingly receiving a head (4) of auser (5). As to particular embodiments, the elliptical cylinder lowerportion (12) can be configured to at least partially surround a neck(14) of the user (5) such that the head shell (9) can protect the head(4) and neck (14) of the user (5) from impact forces (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the elliptical cylinder(10) can include an aperture element (15) which defines an apertureelement opening (16) communicating between elliptical cylinder internaland external surfaces (17)(18). The aperture element (15) can bedisposed within an elliptical cylinder front portion (19) such that auser (5) wearing the head shell (9) about the head (4) can view throughthe aperture element opening (16). As to particular embodiments, theelliptical cylinder (10) can include a plurality of aperture elements(15), each defining an aperture element opening (16) through which theuser (5) can view.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 4 through FIG. 8B, the head shell (9)can further include an ellipsoid dome (20) coupled to the ellipticalcylinder upper portion (11), whereby the ellipsoid dome (20) can beconfigured to surround a head upper portion (21). As to particularembodiments, the ellipsoid dome (20) can include one or morepass-throughs (22) communicating between an ellipsoid dome internal andexternal surfaces (23)(24).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 9, as to particular embodiments, aprotective covering (25) can overlay the one or more aperture elementopenings (16). As an illustrative example, the protective covering (25)can include a transparent material, a translucent material, a networkedmaterial, such as interlaced fabric (26), or the like, or combinationsthereof, which can provide a mechanical barrier (27) between an interiorcavity (28) defined by a head shell internal surface (29) (as shown inthe example of FIG. 8B) and an external space (30) while allowingviewing through the aperture element opening (16). Additionally, as toparticular embodiments, a protective cover (25) can overlay the one ormore pass-throughs (22) disposed in the ellipsoid dome (20).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 10A through FIG.10E, the head protection assembly (2) further includes a first supportmember (31) configured to couple to a first shoulder (32) of a torso (6)and a second support member (33) configured to couple to a second should(34) of the torso (6). As to particular embodiments, the first andsecond support members (31)(33) can be configured as arcuate first andsecond support members (31)(33), contoured to couple proximate thecorresponding first and second shoulders (32)(34). When a user (5) wearsthe head protection assembly (2), arcuate first and second supportmember first ends (35)(36) can dispose proximate a torso front portion(37) and arcuate first and second support member second ends (37)(38)can dispose proximate a torso back portion (39), disposing correspondingarcuate first and second support member medial portions (40)(41)proximate corresponding first and second shoulder top portions (42)(43).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 10E, the first support member (31) ispivotally coupled to the head shell (9) proximate a head shell firstside (44) and the second support member (33) is pivotally coupled to thehead shell (9) proximate a head shell second side (45) which disposesopposite the head shell first side (44). As to particular embodiments,the first and second support members (31)(33) can be fixedly coupled oneeach to corresponding first and second coupler elements (46)(47), whichcan be pivotally coupled to the corresponding head shell first andsecond sides (44)(45), for example by corresponding first and second pinelements (48)(49), allowing the head shell (9) to pivot about a pivotaxis (50) disposed through the first and second pin elements (48)(49)(as shown in the example of FIG. 10A). As such, when a user (5) wearsthe head protection assembly (2), a head shell front portion (51) and ahead shell back portion (52) can pivot about the pivot axis (50), movingupward or downward upon forcible urging, for example forcible urgingprovided by impact forces (3).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 10E, the first and second supportmembers (31)(33) support the head shell (9) about the head (4) in spacedapart relation to the head (4) when a user (5) wears the head shell (9).Accordingly, a head shell internal surface (29) does not contact thehead (4) of the user (5) when wearing the head protection assembly (2).As such, a first interior space (54) is defined between the head shellinternal surface (29) and the head (4), allowing the user (5) to freelymove the user's head (4) within the head shell (9). Additionally, thefirst interior space (54) can function as a spatial barrier (55) topreclude impact forces (3) which impact the head shell (9) fromtransferring directly to the user's head (4).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 8B, the head protection assembly (2) canfurther include a resiliently compressible material (56) coupled to thehead shell (9) proximate the head shell internal surface (29). As toparticular embodiments, the resiliently compressible material (56) caninclude foam or foam-like padding (57), which can provide a cushioningbarrier (58) between the head shell internal surface (29) and the head(4) of a user (5) wearing the head shell (9).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 11 through FIG. 14,the head protection assembly (2) can further include a front plate (59)coupled to the first and second support members (31)(33) proximate thefirst and second support member first ends (35)(36). The front plate(59) can have any of numerous and wide variety of configurations whichcan dispose about a chest portion (60) of a user (5), the front plate(59) capable of protecting the chest portion (60) from impact forces (3)directed toward a user (5) wearing the front plate (59).

As an illustrative example, the front plate (59) can be configured as agenerally planar front plate (59) having dimensions sufficient todispose about a chest portion (60) of a user (5). The front plate (59)can further include a pair of arcuate elements (61)(62) laterallycoupled one each to opposing front plate lower portion side portions(63)(64). The pair of arcuate elements (61)(62) can be configured todispose about torso opposing side portions (65)(66) of a user (5)wearing the front plate (59), thereby protecting the torso side portions(65)(66) from impact forces (3) directed toward a user (5) wearing thefront plate (59).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 11 through FIG. 14, the front plate (59)can further include a panel (67) having opposing panel upper and lowerportions (68)(69). The panel lower portion (69) can be coupled to thefront plate (59) such that the panel upper portion (68) outwardlyextends from a front plate external surface (70) proximate a front plateupper portion (71). Accordingly, the panel (67) can provide a mechanicalbarrier (72) between the interior cavity (28) defined by the head shellinternal surface (29) and the external space (30), thereby protecting auser (5) wearing the head protection assembly (2) from impact forces (3)directed upward toward the interior cavity (28) between the front plate(59) and the head shell (9).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16, thehead protection assembly (2) can further include a back plate (73)coupled to the first and second support members (31)(33) proximate thefirst and second support member second ends (37)(38). The back plate(73) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations whichcan dispose about a back portion (74) of a user (5), the back plate (73)capable of protecting the back portion (74) from impact forces (3)directed toward a user (5) wearing the back plate (73).

As an illustrative example, the back plate (73) can be configured as agenerally planar back plate (73) having dimensions sufficient to disposeabout a back portion (74) of a user (5). As to particular embodiments,the planar back plate (73) can have dimensions sufficient to disposeabout an upper back portion (75) of a user (5).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18, as toparticular embodiments, the front and back plates (59)(73) can becoupled to the first and second support members (31)(33) bycorresponding first and second connector elements (76)(77). As anillustrative example, the first and second connector elements (76)(77)can be configured as arcuate first and second connector elements(76)(77), which can be configured to dispose corresponding arcuate firstand second connector element medial portions (78)(79) proximatecorresponding first and second shoulder top portions (42)(43).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 19, the head protection assembly (2) canfurther include a pair of head protection assembly first adjustablestrap elements (80), each coupled between the front and back plates(59)(73), whereby the head protection assembly first adjustable strapelements (80) can have any of a numerous and wide variety ofconfigurations capable of adjustably coupling the front and back plates(59)(73) about a torso (6) of a user (5).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 19, as to particular embodiments, eachof the head protection assembly first adjustable strap elements (80) canhave head protection assembly first adjustable strap element first andsecond portions (81)(82), which can be coupled one each to extendlaterally from the front and back plates (59)(73) when the front andback plates (59)(73) are worn about a torso (6) of a user (5). The headprotection assembly first adjustable strap element first and secondportions (81)(82) can be capable of matingly engaging with one anotherto couple the front and back plates (59)(73) about a torso (6) of a user(5). Additionally, the head protection assembly first adjustable strapelement first portion (81), the head protection assembly firstadjustable strap element second portion (82), or both, can have anadjustable length, whereby a greater length of the head protectionassembly first adjustable strap element first portion (81), the headprotection assembly first adjustable strap element second portion (82),or both, couples the front and back plates (59)(73) a greater distanceapart relative to a lesser length of the head protection assembly firstadjustable strap element first portion (81), the head protectionassembly first adjustable strap element second portion (82), or both,which couples the front and back plates (59)(73) a lesser distanceapart. Accordingly, the greater length of the head protection assemblyfirst adjustable strap element first portion (81), the head protectionassembly first adjustable strap element second portion (82), or both,may be useful for a user (5) having greater torso dimensional relationswhile a lesser length of the head protection assembly first adjustablestrap element first portion (81), the head protection assembly firstadjustable strap element second portion (82), or both, may be useful fora user (5) having lesser torso dimensional relations.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 19, the head protection assembly (2)can further include a pair of head protection assembly second adjustablestrap elements (83), each coupled between a pair of front and backplates (59)(73), whereby the head protection assembly second adjustablestrap elements (83) can have any of a numerous and wide variety ofconfigurations capable of adjustably coupling the front and back plates(59)(73) about a torso (6) of a user (5).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 19, as to particular embodiments, eachof the head protection assembly second adjustable strap elements (83)can have head protection assembly second adjustable strap element firstand second portions (84)(85), which can be coupled one each to extendupwardly from the pair of front and back plates (59)(73) when the frontand back plates (59)(73) are worn about a torso (6) of a user (5). Thehead protection assembly second adjustable strap element first andsecond portions (84)(85) can be capable of matingly engaging with oneanother to couple the front and back plates (59)(73) about a torso (6)of a user (5). Additionally, the head protection assembly secondadjustable strap element first portion (84), the head protectionassembly second adjustable strap element second portion (85), or both,can have an adjustable length, whereby a greater length of the headprotection assembly second adjustable strap element first portion (84),the head protection assembly second adjustable strap element secondportion (85), or both, couples the front and back plates (59)(73) towarda torso lower portion (86) of a user (5) wearing the front and backplates (59)(73) relative to a lesser length of the head protectionassembly second adjustable strap element first portion (84), the headprotection assembly second adjustable strap element second portion (85),or both, which couples the front and back plates (59)(73) toward a torsoupper portion (87) of a user (5) wearing the front and back plates(59)(73). Accordingly, the greater length of the head protectionassembly second adjustable strap element first portion (84), the headprotection assembly second adjustable strap element second portion (85),or both, may be useful for a user (5) having greater torso dimensionalrelations while a lesser length of the head protection assembly secondadjustable strap element first portion (84), the head protectionassembly second adjustable strap element second portion (85), or both,may be useful for a user (5) having lesser torso dimensional relations.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 20 through FIG. 26, the protective bodycovering (1) can further include a groin protection assembly (7) fortransferring impact forces (3) directed toward a groin (8) of a user (5)to a torso (6) of the user (8), whereby the groin protection assembly(7) includes a groin shell (88) configured to surround the groin (8) ofthe user (5).

As to particular embodiments, the groin shell (88) can be configured asa wider groin shell upper portion (90) having a pair of opposing groinshell sides (91)(92) which taper inwardly to form a relatively narrowergroin shell lower portion (93).

As to particular embodiments, the groin shell (88) can be configured tooutwardly bulge to contour to the groin (8) of the user (5).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 20 and FIG. 22 through FIG. 27, thegroin shell (88) further includes a resiliently compressible material(94) coupled to a groin shell internal surface (95) proximate a groinshell internal surface upper portion (96). As to particular embodiments,the resiliently compressible material (94) can include foam or foam-likepadding (57), which can provide a cushioning barrier (58) between thegroin shell internal surface (95) and the torso (6) of a user (5)wearing the groin shell (88).

Additionally, the resiliently compressible material (94) can function tomaintain a groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) in spacedapart relation to the groin (8) when a user (5) wears the groin shell(88). Accordingly, the groin shell internal surface lower portion (97)does not contact the groin (8) of the user (5) when wearing the groinprotection assembly (7). As such, a second interior space (98) isdefined between the groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) andthe groin (8), whereby the second interior space (98) can function as aspatial barrier (55) to preclude impact forces (3) which impact thegroin shell (88) from transferring directly to the user's groin (8).

As an illustrative example, the resiliently compressible material (94)can inwardly extend from the groin shell internal surface upper portion(96) by about four millimeters. However, the invention need not be solimited and the resiliently compressible material (94) can inwardlyextend from the groin shell internal surface upper portion (96) by anyof a numerous and wide variety of distances capable of maintaining acorrespondingly numerous and wide variety of spaced apart relationsbetween the groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) and thegroin (8) when a user (5) wears the groin shell (88).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 20 through FIG. 26, the groin shell(88) further includes a groin protection assembly first adjustable strapelement (99) coupled to the groin shell (88) proximate the groin shellupper portion (90), whereby the groin protection assembly firstadjustable strap element (99) can have any of a numerous and widevariety of configurations capable of adjustably coupling the groin shell(88) about a torso (6) of a user (5).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 20 through FIG. 26, as to particularembodiments, the groin protection assembly first adjustable strapelement (99) can have groin protection assembly first adjustable strapelement first and second portions (100)(101), which can be coupled oneeach to extend laterally from the groin shell upper portion (90) whenthe groin protection assembly (7) is worn by a user (5). The groinprotection assembly first adjustable strap element first and secondportions (100)(101) can be capable of matingly engaging with one anotherto couple the groin shell (88) about a torso (6) of a user (5).Additionally, the groin protection assembly first adjustable strapelement first portion (100), the groin protection assembly firstadjustable strap element second portion (101), or both, can have anadjustable length, whereby a greater length of the groin protectionassembly first adjustable strap element first portion (100), the groinprotection assembly first adjustable strap element second portion (101),or both, provides a greater distance about the torso (6) relative to alesser length of the groin protection assembly first adjustable strapelement first portion (100), the groin protection assembly firstadjustable strap element second portion (101), or both, which provides alesser distance about the torso (6). Accordingly, the greater length ofthe groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element firstportion (100), the groin protection assembly first adjustable strapelement second portion (101), or both, may be useful for a user (5)having greater torso dimensional relations while a lesser length of thegroin protection assembly first adjustable strap element first portion(100), the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap elementsecond portion (101), or both, may be useful for a user (5) havinglesser torso dimensional relations.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 20 and FIG. 23 through FIG. 27, thegroin protection assembly (7) can further include a rearwardly extendingelement (102) coupled to the groin shell (88) proximate the groin shelllower portion (93), whereby the rearwardly extending element (102) canbe configured to extend between a pair of legs (103)(104) of a user (5)wearing the groin shell (88).

As to particular embodiments, the rearwardly extending element (102) canbe configured to further extend upwards towards the user's lower torsoback portion (105). As such, the rearwardly extending element (102) canhave an arcuate configuration contoured to extend rewardly and upwardlyfrom the groin shell lower portion (93).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 20 through FIG. 27, the groin protectionassembly (7) can further include a resiliently compressible material(106) coupled to the rearwardly extending element (102) proximate arearwardly extending element internal surface upper portion (107). As toparticular embodiments, the resiliently compressible material (106) caninclude foam or foam-like padding (57), which can provide a cushioningbarrier (58) between the rearwardly extending element internal surfaceupper portion (107) and the lower torso back portion (105) of a user (5)wearing the groin shell (88).

Additionally, the resiliently compressible material (106) can functionto maintain a groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) in spacedapart relation to the groin (8) when a user (5) wears the groin shell(88). Accordingly, the groin shell internal surface lower portion (97)does not contact the groin (8) of the user (5) when wearing the groinshell (88). As such, a second interior space (98) is defined between thegroin shell internal surface lower portion (97) and the groin (8),whereby the second interior space (98) can function as a spatial barrier(55) to preclude impact forces (3) which impact the groin shell (88)from transferring directly to the user's groin (8).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 27, the groin protection assembly (7)can further include a pair of groin protection assembly secondadjustable strap elements (108), each coupled between the groin shell(88) and the rearwardly extending element (102), whereby the groinprotection assembly second adjustable strap elements (108) can have anyof a numerous and wide variety of configurations capable of adjustablycoupling the groin shell (88) and the rearwardly extending element (102)about an upper leg portion (109) of a user (5).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 27, as to particular embodiments, eachof the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap elements (108)can have groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element firstand second portions (110)(111), which can be coupled one each to thegroin shell (88) and the rearwardly extending element (102). The groinprotection assembly second adjustable strap element first and secondportions (110)(111) can be capable of matingly engaging with one anotherto couple the groin shell (88) and the rearwardly extending element(102) about an upper leg portion (109) of a user (5). Additionally, thegroin protection assembly second adjustable strap element first portion(110), the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap elementsecond portion (111), or both, can have an adjustable length, whereby agreater length of the groin protection assembly second adjustable strapelement first portion (110), the groin protection assembly secondadjustable strap element second portion (111), or both, provides agreater distance about the upper leg portion (109) relative to a lesserlength of the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap elementfirst portion (110), the groin protection assembly second adjustablestrap element second portion (111), or both, which provides a lesserdistance about the upper leg portion (109). Accordingly, the greaterlength of the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap elementfirst portion (110), the groin protection assembly second adjustablestrap element second portion (111), or both, may be useful for a user(5) having greater upper leg portion dimensional relations while alesser length of the groin protection assembly second adjustable strapelement first portion (110), the groin protection assembly secondadjustable strap element second portion (111), or both, may be usefulfor a user (5) having lesser upper leg portion dimensional relations.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1B, as to particular embodiments, theprotective body covering (1) can further include a pair of protectivebody covering adjustable strap elements (113) coupled between the headprotection assembly (2) and the groin protection assembly (7). As toparticular embodiments, each of the protective body covering adjustablestrap elements (113) can have protective body covering adjustable strapelement first and second portions (114)(115), which can be coupled oneeach to a front plate lower portion (116) and the groin shell upperportion (90). The protective body covering adjustable strap elementfirst and second portions (114)(115) can be capable of matingly engagingwith one another to couple the front plate (59) to the groin shell (88),thereby coupling the head protection assembly (2) to the groinprotection assembly (7).

As to particular embodiments, the head shell (9) or the groin shell (88)can further include a resiliently compressible material (117) coupledproximate a corresponding head shell external surface (118) or groinshell external surface (119). As such, the resiliently compressiblematerial (117) can act as a cushioning barrier (58) between the head (4)of a user (5) wearing the head shell (9) or the groin (8) of a user (5)wearing the groin shell (88) and impact forces (3) directed toward theuser (5). Additionally, the resiliently compressible material (117) canact as a cushioning barrier (58) between the head shell (9) or the groinshell (88) and a provider of impact forces (3).

A method of making a head protection assembly (2) for transferringimpact forces (3) directed toward a head (4) of a user (5) to a torso(6) of the user (5) includes: providing a head shell (9) configured toat least partially surround the head (4) of the user (5); providing afirst support member (31) configured to couple to a first shoulder (32)of the torso (6); providing a second support member (33) configured tocouple to a second shoulder (34) of the torso (6); and pivotallycoupling the first and second support members (31)(33) one each to headshell first and second sides (44)(45); whereby the first and secondsupport members (31)(33) support the head shell (9) about the head (4)in spaced apart relation to the head (4) to define a first interiorspace (54) between a head shell internal surface (29) and the head (4).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include configuring the head shell (9) as asubstantially hollow elliptical cylinder (10). As to particularembodiments, the method of making the head protection assembly (2) can,but need not necessarily, further include configuring an ellipticalcylinder lower portion (12) to at least partially surround a neck (14)of the user (5).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include disposing an aperture element (15) withinan elliptical cylinder front portion (19), the aperture element (15)defining an aperture element opening (16) communicating betweenelliptical cylinder internal and external surfaces (17)(18). As toparticular embodiments, the method of making the head protectionassembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include overlayingthe aperture element opening (16) with a protective covering (25).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include coupling an ellipsoid dome (20) to anelliptical cylinder upper portion (11). As to particular embodiments,the method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include disposing a pass-through (22) within theellipsoid dome (20), the pass-through (22) communicating betweenellipsoid dome internal and external surfaces (23)(24). As to particularembodiments, the method of making the head protection assembly (2) can,but need not necessarily, further include overlaying the pass-through(22) with a protective covering (25).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include configuring the first and second supportmembers (31)(33) as arcuate first and second support members (31)(33).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include fixedly coupling the first and secondsupport members (31)(33) one each to corresponding first and secondcoupler elements (46)(47), and further including pivotally coupling thefirst and second coupler elements (46)(47) to corresponding the headshell first and second sides (44)(45).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include coupling a resiliently compressiblematerial (56) to the head shell (9) proximate the head shell internalsurface (29).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include coupling a front plate (59) to the firstand second support members (31)(33), the front plate (59) configured todispose about a chest portion (60) of the user (5).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include laterally coupling a pair of arcuateelements (61)(62) one each to opposing front plate lower portion sideportions (63)(64), the pair of arcuate elements (61)(62) configured todispose about torso opposing side portions (65)(66) of the user (5).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include providing a panel (67) having opposingpanel upper and lower portions (68)(69), and further including couplingthe panel lower portion (69) to the front plate (59) such that the panelupper portion (68) outwardly extends from a front plate external surface(70) proximate a front plate upper portion (71).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include coupling a back plate (73) to the first andsecond support members (31)(33), the back plate (73) configured todispose about a back portion (74) of the user (5).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include coupling first and second connectorelements (76)(77) between the front and back plates (59)(73) andcorresponding the first and second support members (31)(33).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include laterally extending a pair of headprotection assembly first adjustable strap elements (80) between thefront and back plates (59)(73). As to particular embodiments, the methodof making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need notnecessarily, further include upwardly extending a pair of headprotection assembly second adjustable strap elements (83) between thefront and back plates (59)(73).

A method of making a groin protection assembly (7) for transferringimpact forces (3) directed toward a groin (8) of a user (5) to a torso(6) of the user (5) can include providing a groin shell (88) configuredto at least partially surround the groin (8) of the user (5); coupling aresiliently compressible material (94) to a groin shell internal surfaceupper portion (96); and coupling a groin protection assembly firstadjustable strap element (99) to the groin shell (88) proximate a groinshell upper portion (90); whereby the groin protection assembly firstadjustable strap element (99) supports the groin shell (88) about thetorso (6) such that a groin shell internal surface lower portion (97)disposes in spaced apart relation to the groin (8) to define a secondinterior space (98) between the groin shell internal surface lowerportion (97) and the groin (8).

The method of making the groin protection assembly (7) can furtherinclude configuring the groin shell (88) as a wider groin shell upperportion (90) having a pair of opposing groin shell sides (91)(92) whichtaper inwardly to form a relatively narrower groin shell lower portion(93). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the groinprotection assembly (7) can further include configuring the groin shell(88) to outwardly bulge to contour to the groin (8) of the user (5).

The method of making the groin protection assembly (7) can furtherinclude laterally extending the groin protection assembly firstadjustable strap element (99) from the groin shell upper portion (90).

The method of making the groin protection assembly (7) can furtherinclude coupling a rearwardly extending element (102) to the groin shell(88) proximate a groin shell lower portion (93). As to particularembodiments, the method of making the groin protection assembly (7) canfurther include configuring the rearwardly extending element (102) tohave an arcuate configuration contoured to extend rearwardly andupwardly from the groin shell lower portion (93).

The method of making the groin protection assembly (7) can furtherinclude coupling the resiliently compressible material (106) to arearwardly extending element internal surface upper portion (107).

The method of making the groin protection assembly (7) can furtherinclude coupling a pair of groin protection assembly second adjustablestrap elements (108) between the groin shell (88) and the rearwardlyextending element (102).

Components of the protective body covering (1), including components ofthe head and groin protection assemblies (2)(7), can be formed from anyof a numerous and wide variety of materials, including substantiallyinflexible materials, resiliently flexible materials, or the like, orcombinations thereof. By way of non-limiting examples, the material caninclude or consist of: elastomer, elastomer-like material, rubber,rubber-like material, plastic, plastic-like material, acrylic,polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride-based materials,silicone-based materials, or the like, or combinations thereof.

Components of the protective body covering (1), including components ofthe head and groin protection assemblies (2)(7), can be formed from anyof a numerous and wide variety of processes, such as press molding,injection molding, fabrication, machining, printing, additive printing,or the like, or combinations thereof, as one piece or assembled from aplurality of pieces into an embodiment of a component of the protectivebody covering (1), depending upon the application.

A method of using a head protection assembly (2) for transferring impactforces (3) directed toward a head (4) of a user (5) to a torso (6) ofthe user (5) includes obtaining the head protection assembly (2)comprising: a head shell (9) configured to at least partially surroundthe head (4) of the user (5); a first support member (31) configured tocouple to a first shoulder (32) of the torso (6); and a second supportmember (33) configured to couple to a second shoulder (34) of the torso(6); the first and second support members (31)(33) pivotally coupled oneeach to head shell first and second sides (44)(45); whereby the firstand second support members (31)(33) support the head shell (9) about thehead (4) in spaced apart relation to the head (4) to define a firstinterior space (54) between a head shell internal surface (29) and thehead (4); and removably coupling the head protection assembly (2) to thehead (4) and the torso (6) of the user (5); whereby the impact forces(3) directed toward the head (4) of the user (5) are transferred to thetorso (6) of the user (5) by the head protection assembly (2).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removablycoupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso(6) of the user (5) further includes at least partially surrounding thehead (4) of the user (5) with the head shell (9).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removablycoupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso(6) of the user (5) further includes coupling the first support member(31) to the first shoulder (32) of the torso (6) of the user (5).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removablycoupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso(6) of the user (5) further includes coupling the second support member(33) to the second shoulder (34) of the torso (6) of the user (5).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removablycoupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso(6) of the user (5) further includes disposing a front plate (59), whichis coupled to the first and second support members (31)(33), about achest portion (60) of the user (5). As to particular embodiments, themethod of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removablycoupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso(6) of the user (5) further includes disposing a pair of arcuateelements (61)(62), which are laterally coupled one each to opposingfront plate lower portion side portions (63)(64), about torso opposingside portions (65)(66) of the user (5).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removablycoupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso(6) of the user (5) further includes disposing a back plate (73), whichis coupled to the first and second support members (31)(33), about aback portion (74) of the user (5).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removablycoupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso(6) of the user (5) further includes coupling a pair of head protectionassembly first adjustable strap elements (80), each of which laterallyextends between the front and back plates (59)(73), about the torso (6)of the user (5).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removablycoupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso(6) of the user (5) further includes coupling a pair of head protectionassembly second adjustable strap elements (83), each of which upwardlyextends between the front and back plates (59)(73), about the torso (6)of the user (5).

A method of using a groin protection assembly (7) for transferringimpact forces (3) directed toward a groin (8) of a user (5) to a torso(6) of the user (5) includes obtaining the groin protection assembly (7)comprising: a groin shell (88) configured to at least partially surroundthe groin (8) of the user (5); a resiliently compressible material (94)coupled to a groin shell internal surface upper portion (96); and agroin protection assembly first adjustable strap element (99) coupled tothe groin shell (88) proximate a groin shell upper portion (90); wherebythe groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element (99)supports the groin shell (88) about the torso (6) such that a groinshell internal surface lower portion (97) disposes in spaced apartrelation to the groin (8) to define a second interior space (98) betweenthe groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) and the groin (8);and removably coupling the groin protection assembly (7) to the groin(8) and the torso (6) of the user (5); whereby the impact forces (3)directed toward the groin (8) of the user (5) are transferred to thetorso (6) of the user (5) by the groin protection assembly (7).

The method of using the groin protection assembly (7), whereby removablycoupling the groin protection assembly (7) to the groin (8) and thetorso (6) of the user (5) further includes at least partiallysurrounding the groin (8) of the user (5) with the groin shell (88).

The method of using the groin protection assembly (7), whereby removablycoupling the groin protection assembly (7) to the groin (8) and thetorso (6) of the user (5) further includes coupling the groin protectionassembly first adjustable strap element (99) about the torso (6) of theuser (5).

The method of using the groin protection assembly (7), whereby removablycoupling the groin protection assembly (7) to the groin (8) and thetorso (6) of the user (5) further includes extending a rearwardlyextending element (102), which is coupled to the groin shell (88)proximate a groin shell lower portion (93), between a pair of legs(103)(104) of the user (5).

The method of using the groin protection assembly (7), whereby removablycoupling the groin protection assembly (7) to the groin (8) and thetorso (6) of the user (5) further includes coupling a pair of groinprotection assembly second adjustable strap elements (108), each ofwhich is coupled between the groin shell (88) and the rearwardlyextending element (102), about a pair of upper leg portions (109) of theuser (5).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a protective bodycovering and methods for making and using such protective bodycoverings, including the best mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “support” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “supporting”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “supporting”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “support” and even a “means forsupporting”. Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the protective body coverings herein disclosed and described, ii) therelated methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, andeven implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown,disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methodsand apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and withreference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the variouscombinations and permutations of each of the previous elementsdisclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides astatement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. Thissection may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain UnitedStates patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter ofthe claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, orconcerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawntoward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patentapplication, publication, statement or other information cited orincorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admittedas prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

1. A head protection assembly for transferring impact forces directedtoward a head of a user to a torso of said user, said head protectionassembly comprising: a head shell configured to at least partiallysurround said head of said user; a first support member configured tocouple to a first shoulder of said torso; and a second support memberconfigured to couple to a second shoulder of said torso; said first andsecond support members pivotally coupled one each to head shell firstand second sides; wherein said first and second support members supportsaid head shell about said head in spaced apart relation to said head todefine a first interior space between a head shell internal surface andsaid head.
 2. The head protection assembly of claim 1, wherein said headshell is configured as a substantially hollow elliptical cylinder. 3.The head protection assembly of claim 2, wherein said ellipticalcylinder comprises an elliptical cylinder lower portion which isconfigured to at least partially surround a neck of said user.
 4. Thehead protection assembly of claim 2, wherein said elliptical cylindercomprises an aperture element disposed within an elliptical cylinderfront portion, said aperture element defining an aperture elementopening communicating between elliptical cylinder internal and externalsurfaces.
 5. The head protection assembly of claim 4, wherein saidelliptical cylinder further comprises a protective covering overlayingsaid aperture element opening.
 6. The head protection assembly of claim2, wherein said head shell further comprises an ellipsoid dome coupledto an elliptical cylinder upper portion.
 7. The head protection assemblyof claim 6, wherein said ellipsoid dome comprises a pass-throughcommunicating between ellipsoid dome internal and external surfaces. 8.The head protection assembly of claim 7, wherein said ellipsoid domefurther comprises a protective covering overlaying said pass-through. 9.The head protection assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and secondsupport members are configured as arcuate first and second supportmembers.
 10. The head protection assembly of claim 1, wherein said firstand second support members are fixedly coupled one each to correspondingfirst and second coupler elements which are pivotally coupled tocorresponding said head shell first and second sides.
 11. The headprotection assembly of claim 1, wherein said head shell furthercomprises a resiliently compressible material coupled to said head shellproximate said head shell internal surface.
 12. The head protectionassembly of claim 1, further comprising a front plate coupled to saidfirst and second support members, said front plate configured to disposeabout a chest portion of said user.
 13. The head protection assembly ofclaim 12, wherein said front plate further comprises a pair of arcuateelements laterally coupled one each to opposing front plate lowerportion side portions, said pair of arcuate elements configured todispose about torso opposing side portions of said user.
 14. The headprotection assembly of claim 12, wherein said front plate furthercomprises a panel having opposing panel upper and lower portions, saidpanel lower portion coupled to said front plate such that said panelupper portion outwardly extends from a front plate external surfaceproximate a front plate upper portion.
 15. The head protection assemblyof claim 12, further comprising a back plate coupled to said first andsecond support members, said back plate configured to dispose about aback portion of said user.
 16. The head protection assembly of claim 15,wherein said front and back plates are coupled to said first and secondsupport members by corresponding first and second connector elements.17. The head protection assembly of claim 15, further comprising a pairof head protection assembly first adjustable strap elements, each saidhead protection assembly first adjustable strap element laterallyextending between said front and back plates.
 18. The head protectionassembly of claim 17, further comprising a pair of head protectionassembly second adjustable strap elements, each said head protectionassembly second adjustable strap element upwardly extending between saidfront and back plates.
 19. A method of making a head protection assemblyfor transferring impact forces directed toward a head of a user to atorso of said user, said method comprising: providing a head shellconfigured to at least partially surround said head of said user;providing a first support member configured to couple to a firstshoulder of said torso; providing a second support member configured tocouple to a second shoulder of said torso; and pivotally coupling saidfirst and second support members one each to head shell first and secondsides; wherein said first and second support members support said headshell about said head in spaced apart relation to said head to define afirst interior space between a head shell internal surface and saidhead. 20-36. (canceled)
 37. A method of using a head protection assemblyfor transferring impact forces directed toward a head of a user to atorso of said user, said method comprising: obtaining said headprotection assembly comprising: a head shell configured to at leastpartially surround said head of said user; a first support memberconfigured to couple to a first shoulder of said torso; and a secondsupport member configured to couple to a second shoulder of said torso;said first and second support members pivotally coupled one each to headshell first and second sides; wherein said first and second supportmembers support said head shell about said head in spaced apart relationto said head to define a first interior space between a head shellinternal surface and said head; and removably coupling said headprotection assembly to said head and said torso of said user; whereinsaid impact forces directed toward said head of said user aretransferred to said torso of said user by said head protection assembly.38-69. (canceled)